If you are already skilled in 3DS Max or XSI and need to get a grip on Maya in a hurry then this is the course for you.

We will cover 100 (or more) vital Maya functions that you absolutely must know in order to master the software. We may well cover much more than the vital 100 functions and you are free to tell what is it is you need to know- and we will tailor the training accordingly.

If you are a highly skilled 3D animation practicioner then you should consider drawing up a list of functions and procedures that you have been using over the years and ask us to match them in Maya. We may well suggest other 'must know' functions. Feel free to call us on +39.0575.690.060 to discuss your needs.

Essentially we'll cover the following topics:

Day 1. Polygons. Every aspect of creating, cutting, shaping and extruding, using all the methods of shape creation (loft, extrude etc.)

Day 2. NURBs (for architecture and ultra-fast model building and set design) and sub-division surfaces (for natural, organic forms.)

Day 3. Deformers. Typically those used for shape creation and animation. Giving character and life to a model using deformers. There are many of these and 'plugging' one into another gives a character animator total control over his creations.

Day 4. Lighting and texturing. This is pretty much the same in all 3D animation software but Maya has a few special quirks. We'll cover the tortuous process of UV mapping as well.

Day 5. Animating models and setting keyframes. We'll do this in conjunction with keyed deformers and dynamics. We'll look at nParticles and cloth (Excellent in Maya.)

The above summary is only a guideline. Some folk won't need to learn the NURBs functions- so that can be omitted from the course- But we'll cover some other aspect of the software that is important to you.

Training starts at 10 in the morning and finishes at 5 in the evening. There is a one hour break for lunch.